In-Line Device Programming System With Master Data File
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for programming programmable devices such as Flash memories and FPGAs are inefficient as they require separate equipment and additional transportation, lacking integration with main production assembly lines, which hampers operational efficiency and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A device programming system that includes a tray stacker with socket adapters for reading configuration information from a master device, forming a master data file, and configuring programmable devices using this information, allowing for simultaneous programming of multiple devices within a manufacturing line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If separate programming equipment is used away from the main production assembly line, then programming operations can be performed on programmable devices, but additional transportation and delivery systems are required and operational efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the programming equipment directly into the main production assembly line, combining previously separate operations (programming, testing, calibration) with the primary manufacturing process. This eliminates the need for separate programming areas and transportation systems, thereby improving operational efficiency while managing system complexity through unified integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The programming system is designed to perform multiple functions including programming, testing, calibration, and measurement of programmable devices within a single integrated platform. This multi-functionality allows the system to handle various operations without requiring separate specialized equipment, thus improving productivity while controlling overall system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If tape-on-reel lines with carrier tapes are used to deliver programmable devices, then devices can be transported to the manufacturing system, but the devices must be placed at uniform distances and require cover tape removal
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic positioning and handling mechanisms that can adapt to different device placements and configurations, eliminating the rigid requirement for uniform distances on carrier tapes. The programmable devices can be dynamically positioned in sockets based on the specific manufacturing needs, allowing for more flexible and efficient handling without the constraints of fixed tape formats.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the programmable devices from the carrier tape format entirely, placing them directly into sockets on the programming equipment. This eliminates the need for cover tape removal and the constraints of uniform spacing requirements, thereby simplifying device handling and potentially increasing programming speed by removing these intermediate steps.
3Productivity
If multiple programmable devices are programmed simultaneously, then production rates can be improved, but configuration information must be efficiently managed and distributed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary reading and analysis of the master device's configuration information before simultaneous programming begins. The configuration data is pre-processed, partitioned, and prepared for distribution to multiple programmable devices, allowing for efficient simultaneous programming without overwhelming the configuration management system. This preliminary preparation reduces the complexity of managing multiple devices during the actual programming process.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration information from the master device is segmented into multiple partitions that can be independently managed and distributed to different programmable devices. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple devices simultaneously by dividing the configuration data into manageable sections, thereby improving production rate while controlling the complexity of configuration management through structured data organization.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of operation of a device programming system includes: a socket adapter having a source socket and a destination socket for reading a configuration information from a master device; a partition table calculated from the master device; and a master data file formed from the partition table and the configuration information, the master data file for configuring a programmable device.